Valve and stem sealing assembly

ABSTRACT

A valve and stem sealing assembly capable of preventing leakage under demanding environmental and operating conditions. The valve comprises a body and bonnet secured together to house a flow-element, stem, and stem sealing assembly. The body may contain a body joint encapsulated within its liner. The flow-element is positioned between a first port and second port on the valve. The body and bonnet may be configured to eliminate rotational forces from being translated to the bonnet. The stem sealing assembly comprises a primary seal, primary shaft insert, spacer, and force transmitting member. The stem sealing assembly may also comprise a secondary seal and secondary shaft insert. The stem seal assembly is substantially adjacent to the stem, and configured to fit within an annular space or cavity between the stem and the first body half, second body half, and bonnet. The valve may also include a leak detection port.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not applicable

The present application is a reissue application of U.S. Pat. No.8,910,921.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to means, for regulating flow of a fluidthrough a passage, either by closing the passage or restricting it by adefinite predetermined motion of the flow-element, and more particularlyto devices wherein the valve stem and/or actuator is particularlyassociated with means to pack or seal it to prevent leakage of fluidbetween the inside and outside of the valve body.

2. Description of Related Art

Valves are mechanical devices that are frequently utilized to regulatethe flow of fluids, gases and slurries over a wide range of temperaturesand pressures. Valves are used in a variety of applications,particularly industrial applications (e.g. refining, chemical,petrochemical, pharmaceutical, etc.), and several different types ofvalves have been developed to meet the broad range of industrialapplications. Examples include ball valves, plug valves, butterflyvalves, gate valves, check valves, globe valves, diaphragm, and soforth. Valves may be operated manually by hand or operated mechanicallywith pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuators.

Most valves are provided with a passage containing a flow-element thatis positioned within the passage. The flow-element regulates the flow ofa fluid, gas or slurry through the passage either by closing the passageor restricting it by a definite predetermined motion of theflow-element. The flow-element has an open position, which allows afluid, gas or slurry to flow through the passage, and a closed positionthat prevents a fluid, gas or slurry from flowing through the passage.Examples of flow-elements include, but are not limited to, the ball in aball valve, the disc in a butterfly valve, and so forth. Theflow-element is typically connected to a stem, which actuates theflow-element, either manually or mechanically, between the open positionand closed position. Many ball valves are provided with a bonnet, whichis fastened to the body of the valve, to secure the flow element andstem in place as well as any sealing or packing means. Duringoperations, a valve stem is frequently moved between the open positionand closed position, which may expose the bonnet to rotational stressand loosen the bonnet over time. A loose valve bonnet may cause a fluid,gas or slurry leakage from the valve, which is very undesirable forreasons more fully set forth below.

Valve stems are usually associated with a means to pack or seal it toprevent leakage of fluid between the inside and outside of the valvebody. A common means to prevent leakage around the valve stem is a stemseal. However, due to demanding environmental and operating conditions,valve seals are prone to leakage. For example, valves may be exposed towide and rapid temperature changes, i.e. thermal cycling, causing itsseals to contract and expand rapidly, which may degrade the seal overtime. In addition, valve seals are sometimes exposed high temperatureenvironments, such as those experienced in fire conditions, which mayconsume many seal materials.

Other factors that may impact the reliability of a valve seal includevibrations and rotational forces. For example, during operations, a stemseal is frequently exposed to rotational forces as a valve is movedbetween its open and closed position, which can degrade the integrity ofthe seal over time causing the valve to leak. Additionally, valves arefrequently exposed to high pressure operating conditions and pressuredrops, which cause vibrations that may degrade the seal.

A valve body may be constructed from two separate body halves which aresecured together by flanged face connections on its corresponding faces.The two separate body halves can have a liner on flanged connections.Frequently, when the liner between these two separate body halves isstressed and/or compressed, it tends to cold flow (expedited at highertemperatures), which diminishes the integrity of the seal. Withinadequate sealing pressure on the liner a leak path will be made.

Any leakage is very undesirable since it undermines the ability of thevalve to control fluid or slurry flow. Moreover, in recent years,environmental regulations have placed a greater emphasis on reducingleaks and other fugitive emissions from valves in industrial settings byimposing fines and other penalties on facilities that exceed allowablelevels. Therefore, in light of the foregoing, a need exists for a morerobust valve and stem sealing assembly capable of preventing leakageunder demanding environmental and operating conditions.

Furthermore, leaks and/or fugitive emissions from valves are usuallyidentified during field inspections by operations personnel. Fieldinspections often cannot identify a degrading seal until the valve hasalready begun to leak. As a result, a valve may leak for a prolongedperiod of time before it is noticed possibly subjecting personnel toexposure to a hazardous material and/or the facility to fines and otherpenalties. Therefore, in light of the foregoing, a need exists for amore robust valve and sealing assembly capable of detecting a leakand/or fugitive emission before it is released into the environment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of this invention is to provide a more robust valve and stemsealing assembly capable of preventing leakage under demandingenvironmental and operating conditions. A further object of thisinvention is to provide a valve and stem sealing assembly capable ofdetecting a leak before it is released into the environment. Still afurther object of this invention is to provide a valve and stem sealingassembly that prevents a bonnet from turning and loosening duringoperations. Additional objects and advantages of this invention shallbecome apparent in the ensuing descriptions of the invention.

Accordingly, a valve and stem sealing assembly in accordance with thisinvention are provided that are capable of preventing leakage underdemanding environmental and operating conditions. The valve comprises abody and bonnet secured together to house a flow-element, stem, and stemsealing assembly. The body may contain a body joint encapsulated withinits liner. The flow-element is positioned between a first port andsecond port on the valve. The body and bonnet may be configured toeliminate rotational forces from being translated to the bonnet. Thestem sealing assembly comprises a primary seal, primary shaft insert,spacer, and force transmitting member. The stem sealing assembly mayalso comprise a secondary seal and secondary shaft insert. The stem sealassembly is substantially adjacent to the stem, and configured to fitwithin an annular space or cavity between the stem and the first bodyhalf, second body half, and bonnet. The valve may also include a leakdetection port.

The foregoing broadly outlines the features and technical advantages ofthe present invention in order for the following detailed description ofthe invention to be understood. Additional features and advantages ofthe invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject ofthe claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilledin the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may bereadily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structuresfor carrying out the same purposes of the present invention.

It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that suchequivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of theinvention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features whichare believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to itsorganization and method of operation, together with further objects andadvantages will be better understood from the following description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying Figures. It is to beexpressly understood, however, that each of the Figures is provided forthe purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended asa definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a valve in accordance withthis invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the valve in FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a valve inaccordance with this invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the valve in FIG.3.

FIG. 5 is a close-up detail view of a body joint in the embodiment ofthe valve in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a stem sealing assembly in accordance with thisinvention illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the stem sealing assembly shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the stem sealing assembly shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a stem sealingassembly in accordance with this invention in the embodiment of thevalve illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of thestem sealing assembly shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the alternative embodiment of the stemsealing assembly shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a valve in accordance with thisinvention.

FIG. 13 is a close-up detail view of an anti-rotational bonnet and bodyinterface in accordance with this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of a valve in accordance with this invention is showngenerally in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 at 100. An alternative embodiment of avalve in accordance with this invention is illustrated generally in FIG.3 and FIG. 4 at 100, and discussed in further detail below. The valve100 comprises a valve body. The valve body may be single body, threepiece body, split body, top entry, or welded. In a preferred embodiment,the valve body may be formed by a first body half 101 and a second bodyhalf 102 secured together. The first body half 101 may have a flangedconnection face that secures to a corresponding flanged connection faceon the second body half 102. The first body half 101 and second bodyhalf 102 may be secured together by any conventional means such as athreaded, bolted, welded joint, and so forth. The first body half 101and second body half 102 may be constructed from any suitable materialsuch as carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, and so forth. Asone of ordinary skill in the art appreciates, all materials used in theconstruction of the valve and sealing assembly elements are selectedaccording to the varying types of applications. The materials are chosento optimize functional reliability, fluid compatibility, service lifeand cost.

The first body half 101 and second body half 102 may have a liner 111.The liner 111 may be on flanged faces of the first body half 101 andsecond body half 102. A seal between the first body half 101 and secondbody half 102 is created by contact between the liner 111 on the flangedfaces both body halves. In a preferred embodiment, the first body half101 and second body half 102 may be bolted together and constructed fromcarbon steel and coated with an epoxy paint to prevent corrosion. Thebolted connection provides the force necessary to create the sealbetween the first body half 101 and second body half 102.

As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the valve 100 may have a bodyjoint 123 configured to maintain adequate sealing pressure and sealingintegrity between the first body half 101 and the second body half 102thereby reducing the likelihood of a leak path, particularly when apiping system is stressed, compressed, misaligned, or subjected tovibrations or thermal cycling. The body joint 123 provides rigidity oralmost “memory” to the liner 111. The body joint 123 may be an annulardisc or spring with several ridges or waves, which extend between theinner and outer circumference of the body joint 123. The body joint 123is dynamically loaded and energized, and may be encapsulated within aliner 111. In a preferred embodiment, the body joint 123 is located onthe flanged face connection of the second body half 102, andencapsulated by the liner 111. The body joint 123 may be preferablylocated where the flanged faces are connected together, e.g. at theconnection points between the first body half 101 and second body half102.

The valve 100 has a first port 103 and a second port 104 with a passage105, which is configured to flow a media (fluid, gas or slurry),extending between the first port 103 and second port 104. The valve 100also has a stem port 106 that extends between the inside and outside ofthe valve 100. The valve 100 further comprises a bonnet 107. The bonnet107 acts as a cover on the first body half 101 and second body half 102,and is typically cast or forged of the same material as the first bodyhalf 101 and second body half 102. The bonnet 107 may be secured to thefirst body half 101 and second body half 102 by any conventional meanssuch as a threaded, bolted, welded joint, and so forth.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, a flow-element 108 is positioned betweenthe first port 103 and second port 104. The flow-element 108 may beconnected to a stem 109, which actuates the flow-element 108, eithermanually or mechanically, between an open position and a closedposition. Alternatively, to eliminate hysteresis and prevent liningdamage associated with traditional two-piece designs, the flow-element108 and stem 109 may be fabricated as a single-piece design. The stem109 extends through the stem port 106, and is connected to an actuator110. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator 110 may be a manuallyactuated handle or lever; however, the actuator 110 may also be anyconventional means such as pneumatic, hydraulic, electric actuators, andso forth. The flow-element 108 is preferably a full port ball, but itmay be any conventional means capable of closing or restricting thepassage 105 when it is moved between the open position and closedposition. Examples include, but are not limited to, a V-port ball,standard ball, and so forth.

The valve may be provided with a liner 111 to prevent corrosion. Theliner 111 is preferably substantially uniformly thick and secured to thesurface of the valve 100. The liner 111 may be secured to any surface ofthe valve 100, but is preferably secured to surfaces that will beexposed to the media. For example, a liner 111 may be secured to thesurfaces of the first body half 101 and second body half 102 that definethe passage 105. The liner 111 may also be secured to the surfaces ofthe flow-element 108, and stem 109.

The liner 111 may be secured to the valve 100 by any conventional means.In a preferred embodiment, the liner is secured to the first body half101, second body half 102, and bonnet 107 by a series of dovetail grovesand interlocking holes 112 on body of the valve, which facilitate thehandling of process pressure, vacuum, thermal cycling, and temperaturecycling. As one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates, the liner 111material may be selected based on the application of the valve. Incorrosive applications (e.g. chlorine, hydrochloric acid, etc.), theliner 111 may be constructed from a fluoropolymer and thermoplasticmaterial such as fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy(PFA), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), and so forth.

Internal seats 113 are interposed between the flow element 113 and thevalve body. The internal seats 113 are configured and designed toprevent leakage within the valve 100. In a preferred embodiment, theinternal seats 113 are positioned between the void space between theflow element 108 and the first body half 101 and second body half 102.The material of construction of the internal seats 113 is largelydependent on the temperature, pressure, and type of media flowingthrough the valve 100. As one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates,the internal seats 113 are preferably constructed from any materialcapable of resisting the effects of chemical attack, absorption,swelling, cold flow, and permeation with respect to a media. Suitablematerials include, but are not limited to, fluoroplastic materials suchas polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP),perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), and so forth.

The valve 100 further comprises a stem seal assembly as shown in FIG. 2.FIG. 4 illustrates a valve 100 with an alternate embodiment of a stemseal assembly. The stem seal assembly is utilized to prevent leakage ofa media from the inside to the outside of the valve 100. The stem sealassembly is substantially adjacent to the stem 109. In a preferredembodiment, the stem seal assembly is configured to fit within anannular space defined by the area between the stem 109 and the firstbody half 101, second body half 102, and bonnet 103. Alternatively, ifthe first body half 101, second body half 102, and bonnet 103 areprovided with a liner, the stem seal assembly may be configured to fitwithin an annular space defined by the area between the stem 109 andliner 111.

An embodiment of a stem seal assembly shown in FIG. 2 is illustrated inFIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8. The stem seal assembly is a dynamic sealingsystem that has the advantages of being virtually maintenance free andrequiring no adjustment in the field. The stem seal assembly may alsoserve as a bearing and assist with reducing lateral forces that may beplaced on the flow-element 108 and stem 109. The stem seal assemblycomprises a bottom gasket 114, a primary seal 115, primary shaft insert116, seal 117, spacer 118, secondary seal 120, secondary shaft insert121, support ring 122, and force transmitting member 119. The secondaryseal 120 and secondary shaft insert 122 provide a backup seal if theprimary seal 115 is compromised.

The bottom gasket 114 is seated in the bottom of the annular space. Thebottom gasket 114 may have an interface on its top surface configured tosubstantially mate with the bottom surface of the primary seal 115. In apreferred embodiment, to prevent the passage of a media, the outercircumference of the bottom gasket 114 is configured to substantiallyfit with the valve stem, and the inner circumference of the bottomgasket 114 is configured to substantially fit with the valve body orvalve body liner 111. The bottom gasket 114 may be constructed from anymaterial resistant to the media passing through the valve. Suitablematerials include but are not limited to a thermoplastic orfluoroplastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or othersuitable material.

The primary seal 115 is seated in the annular space above the bottomgasket 114. The primary seal 115 is seated on the top surface of thebottom gasket 114. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom surface of theprimary seal 115 is configured to substantially mate with the topsurface of the bottom gasket 114, and sits on top of the top surface ofthe bottom gasket 114. The primary seal 115 may have a cavity betweenthe inner circumference and outer circumference of the primary seal 115.The cavity is preferably sized and configured to receive the primaryshaft insert 116. In a preferred embodiment, the cavity is a U-cupshape. As shown in FIG. 8, the cavity extends between the inner andouter circumference of the primary seal 115 and from the top to thebottom of the primary seal 115. The outer and inner circumference of theprimary seal 115 may have a plurality of ribs. The ribs on the inner andouter circumference of the primary seal 115 enact a seal with the wallsof the annular space. Alternatively, if the first body half 101, secondbody half 102, and bonnet 103 are provided with a liner, the primaryseal 115 creates a seal with the walls of the annular space defined asthe area between the stem 109 and liner 111. The primary seal 115 may beconstructed from any material resistant to the media passing through thevalve 100. Suitable materials include but are not limited tothermoplastic or fluoroplastic materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA),polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), and so forth.

The primary shaft insert 116 is seated in the annular space above thebottom gasket 114, and is sized and configured to fit within the cavityof the primary seal 115. In a preferred embodiment, the primary shaftinsert 116 fits within a cavity that is U-cup shape as shown in FIG. 8.The U-cup design of the primary seal 115 and primary shaft insert 116allows looser tolerances for these elements than typical packing systemsbecause these elements have the ability to expand radially whensubjected to an axial load thereby filling any voids caused by loosetolerances and fit. The primary shaft insert 116 may be constructed fromany material capable of expanding radially when subjected to an axialload. Suitable materials include but are not limited to a syntheticrubber and fluoropolymer elastomer such as Viton, or other suitablematerial.

Located above the primary seal 115 and primary shaft insert 116 is aseal 117, which is seated in the annular space. In a preferredembodiment, the seal 117 may be a vee seal. The seal 117 sits on the topsurface of the primary seal 115 and primary shaft insert 116. The seal117 may be constructed from any material resistant to the media passingthrough the valve. Suitable materials include but are not limited tothermoplastic or fluoroplastic materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA),polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), and so forth.

A spacer 118 sits on top of the seal 117. The spacer 118 sits within theannular space above the seal 117. The spacer 118 is configured to alignwith the leakoff connection 128 on the bonnet 107. In a preferredembodiment, the spacer 118 may be a lantern ring with an aperture 127configured to align with the leakoff connection 128. The spacer 118 maybe constructed from any material sufficiently resistant to the mediapassing through the valve. Suitable materials include metals such asstainless steel. In a preferred embodiment, the spacer 118 may have aliner 111. As one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates, the liner111 material may be selected based on the application of the valve. Forexample, in corrosive applications, the liner 111 may be constructedfrom a fluoropolymer and thermoplastic material such as fluorinatedethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), polyvinylidenefluoride(PVDF), and so forth.

The secondary seal 120 is seated in the annular space above the spacer118. The secondary seal 120 is seated on the top surface of the spacer118. The secondary seal 120 may have a cavity between the innercircumference and outer circumference of the secondary seal 120. Thecavity is preferably sized and configured to receive the secondary shaftinsert 121. In a preferred embodiment, the cavity is a U-cup shape. Asshown in FIG. 8, the cavity extends between the inner and outercircumference of the secondary seal 115 and from the top to the bottomof the secondary seal 115. The outer and inner circumference of thesecondary seal 115 may have a plurality of ribs. The ribs on the innerand outer circumference of the secondary seal 115 enact a seal with thewalls of the annular space. Alternatively, if the first body half 101,second body half 102, and bonnet 103 are provided with a liner, thesecondary seal 120 creates a seal with the walls of the annular spacedefined as the area between the stem 109 and liner 111. The secondaryseal 120 may be constructed from any material resistant to the mediapassing through the valve 100. Suitable materials include but are notlimited to thermoplastic or fluoroplastic materials such aspolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP),perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), and so forth.

The secondary shaft insert 121 is seated in the annular space above theseal 117, and is sized and configured to fit within the cavity of thesecondary seal 120. In a preferred embodiment, the secondary shaftinsert 121 fits within a cavity that is U-cup shape. The U-cup design ofthe secondary seal 120 and secondary shaft insert 121 allows loosertolerances for these elements than typical packing systems because theseelements have the ability to expand radially when subjected to an axialload thereby filling any voids caused by loose tolerances and fit. Thesecondary shaft insert 121 may be constructed from any material capableof expanding radially when subjected to an axial load. Suitablematerials include but are not limited to a synthetic rubber andfluoropolymer elastomer such as Viton, or other suitable material.

Located above the secondary seal 120 and secondary shaft insert 121 is asupport ring 122. In a preferred embodiment, the support ring 122 may bea stainless steel Belleville support ring. Within the annular spaceabove the support ring 122, a force transmitting member 119 is seated ontop of the support ring 122. The force transmitting member 119 may be aspring washer such as a Belleville spring washer. The force transmittingmember 119 is configured to transfer an axial load to the primary shaftinsert 116 and secondary shaft insert 121. The primary shaft insert 116and secondary shaft insert 121 then transfer the load radially creatinga seal force along the cavity between the area defined by innercircumference and outer circumference of the primary seal 115 andsecondary seal 120. The primary seal 115 and secondary seal 120 are thenpushed outward creating a seal with the walls of the annular space.Alternatively, if the first body half 101, second body half 102, andbonnet 103 are provided with a liner, the primary seal 115 and secondaryseal 120 create a seal with the walls of the annular space defined asthe area between the stem 109 and liner 111.

An embodiment of a stem seal assembly shown in FIG. 4 is illustrated inFIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. The stem seal assembly comprises a bottomgasket 114, primary seal 115, primary shaft insert 116, seal 117, spacer118, and force transmitting member 119. The bottom gasket 114 is seatedin the bottom of the annular space. The bottom gasket 114 may have aninterface on its top surface configured to substantially mate with thebottom surface of the primary seal 115. In a preferred embodiment, toprevent the passage of a media, the outer circumference of the bottomgasket 114 is configured to substantially fit with the valve stem 109,and the inner circumference of the bottom gasket 114 is configured tosubstantially fit with the valve body or liner 111. The bottom gasket114 may be constructed from any material resistant to the media passingthrough the valve 100. Suitable materials include but are not limited toa thermoplastic or fluoroplastic material such aspolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or other suitable material.

The primary seal 115 is seated in the annular space above the bottomgasket 114. The primary seal 115 is seated on the top surface of thebottom gasket 114. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom surface of theprimary seal 115 is configured to substantially mate with the topsurface of the bottom gasket 114, and sits on top of the top surface ofthe bottom gasket 114. The primary seal 115 may have a cavity betweenthe inner circumference and outer circumference of the primary seal 115.The cavity is preferably sized and configured to receive the primaryshaft insert 116. In a preferred embodiment, the cavity is a U-cupshape. As shown in FIG. 11, the cavity extends between the inner andouter circumference of the primary seal 115 and from the top to thebottom of the primary seal 115. The outer and inner circumference of theprimary seal 115 may have a plurality of ribs. The ribs on the inner andouter circumference of the primary seal 115 enact a seal with the wallsof the annular space. Alternatively, if the first body half 101, secondbody half 102, and bonnet 103 are provided with a liner, the primaryseal 115 and secondary seal 120 create a seal with the walls of theannular space defined as the area between the stem 109 and liner 111.The primary seal 115 may be constructed from any material resistant tothe media passing through the valve. Suitable materials include but arenot limited to thermoplastic or fluoroplastic materials such aspolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP),perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), and so forth.

The primary shaft insert 116 is seated in the annular space above thebottom gasket 114, and is sized and configured to fit within the cavityof the primary seal 115. In a preferred embodiment, the primary shaftinsert 116 fits within a cavity that is U-cup shape. The U-cup design ofthe primary seal 115 and primary shaft insert 116 allows loosertolerances for these elements than typical packing systems because theseelements have the ability to expand radially when subjected to an axialload thereby filling any voids caused by loose tolerances and fit. Theprimary shaft insert 116 may be constructed from any material capable ofexpanding radially when subjected to an axial load. Suitable materialsinclude but are not limited to a synthetic rubber and fluoropolymerelastomer such as Viton, or other suitable material.

Located above the primary seal 115 and primary shaft insert 116 is aseal 117, which is seated in the annular space. In a preferredembodiment, the seal 117 may be a vee seal. The seal 117 sits on the topsurface of the primary seal and primary shaft insert. The seal 117 maybe constructed from any material resistant to the media passing throughthe valve. Suitable materials include but are not limited tothermoplastic or fluoroplastic materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA),polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), and so forth.

A spacer 118 sits on top of the seal 117. The spacer 118 sits within theannular space above the seal 117. The spacer 118 is configured to alignwith the leakoff connection 128 on the bonnet 107. In a preferredembodiment, the spacer 118 may be a lantern ring with an aperture 127configured to align with the leakoff connection 128. The spacer 118 maybe constructed from any material sufficiently resistant to the mediapassing through the valve. Suitable materials include metals such asstainless steel. Within the annular space above the spacer 118, a forcetransmitting member 119 is seated on top of the surface of the spacer118. The force transmitting member 119 may be a spring washer such as aBelleville spring washer. The force transmitting member 119 isconfigured to transfer an axial load to the primary shaft insert 116.The primary shaft insert 116 then transfers the load radially creating aseal force along the cavity between the area defined by innercircumference and outer circumference of the primary seal 115. Theprimary seal 115 is then pushed outward creating a seal with the wallsof the annular space. Alternatively, if the first body half 101, secondbody half 102, and bonnet 103 are provided with a liner, the primaryseal 115 creates a seal with the walls of the annular space defined asthe area between the stem 109 and liner 111.

The valve 100 may include a leak detection port that extends from theleakoff connection 128 on the outside of the valve to an annulus abovethe primary seal 115. In a preferred embodiment, the leak detection portextends from the outside of the valve to an annulus between the primaryseal 115 and secondary seal 120. The leak detection port is utilized todetect whether any leakage occurs around the sealing assembly.

As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the interface between the bonnet 107and valve body is configured to eliminate rotational forces from beingtranslated to the bonnet 107. In a preferred embodiment, a flangedbolted connection on the bonnet 107 secures the bonnet 107 to the valvebody. The top edge of the flanged connection 125 on the bonnet 107 maybe substantially flat. When the bonnet 107 is secured to the body, thetop edge of the flanged connection 125 on the bonnet 107 is preferablysubstantially flush with the top edge 124 of the second body half lip126 creating a substantially flat planar surface between the top edge ofthe flanged connection 125 on the bonnet 107 and the top edge of thesecond body half lip 126. In addition, a notched interface 129 betweenthe bonnet 107 and second body half 102 eliminates rotational forcesfrom being translated to the bonnet 107 bolts, which maintains thesealing integrity of the seal between the body 101 and the bonnet 107,i.e. the bonnet 107 is prevented from turning accidentally duringoperation. As one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates, to preventrotation during operation, the top edge 124 of the lip 126 of the secondbody half 102 need only be tall enough to provide enough resistance tocounteract the force from the bonnet 107. For example, to prevent bonnet107 rotation, the top edge 124 of the lip 126 of the second body half102 may be higher than the top edge of the flanged connection 125 on thebonnet 107.

In a preferred embodiment, during assembly of a valve, the first bodyhalf 101 is bolted together with the second body half 102. A seal iscreated between the first body half 101 and second body half 102 betweenthe liner 111 on the flanged faces both body halves. As shown in FIG. 2,FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the valve 100 has a body joint 123 configured tomaintain the sealing integrity between the first body half 101 and thesecond body half 102. The body joint is located on flanged connection ofthe second body half 102 and encapsulated by the liner 111. The bodyjoint 123 provides rigidity or almost “memory” to the liner 111. Whenthe first body half is bolted to the second body half a sealing force iscreated, which dynamically loads and energizes the body joint 123. Theenergized body joint 123 maintains adequate sealing pressure and sealingintegrity between the first body half 101 and the second body half 102thereby reducing the likelihood of a leak path, particularly when apiping system is stressed, compressed, misaligned, or subjected tovibrations. As shown in FIG. 5, the body joint 123 is located at theconnection points between the first body half 101 and second body half102, e.g. the body joint 123 is located around the bolt connection pointbetween the first body half 101 and second body half 102 andencapsulated in the liner 111 on the second body half 102.

The sealing assembly encompasses the stem 109. As the spring washer 119is loaded, it transfers transfer an axial load to the primary shaftinsert 116 and secondary shaft insert 121. The primary shaft insert 116and secondary shaft insert 121 then transfer the load radially creatinga seal force along the cavity between the area defined by innercircumference and outer circumference of the primary seal 115 andsecondary seal 120. The primary seal 115 and secondary seal 120 are thenpushed outward creating a seal with the walls of the annular spacedefined as the area between the stem 109 and the first body half 101,second body half 102, and bonnet 103. Alternatively, if the first bodyhalf 101, second body half 102, and bonnet 103 are provided with aliner, the primary seal 115 and secondary seal 120 create a seal withthe walls of the annular space defined as the area between the stem 109and liner 111. The bonnet 107 is bolted to the first body half andsecond body half. The bonnet 107 acts as a cover for the first body half101 and second body half 102 and is configured to secure the sealingassembly.

Any reference to patents, documents and other writings contained hereinshall not be construed as an admission as to their status with respectto being or not being prior art. Although the present invention and itsadvantages have been described in detail, it is understood that thearray of features and embodiments taught herein may be combined andrearranged in a large number of additional combinations not directlydisclosed, as will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art.

Moreover, it should be understood that various changes, substitutionsand alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the following claims. There are, ofcourse, other alternate embodiments, which are obvious from theforegoing descriptions of the invention, which are intended to beincluded within the scope of the invention, as defined by the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A valve comprising: a. a body having a first portand a second port with a passage configured to flow a media extendingbetween said first port and said second port, wherein said body has aflow-element positioned between said first port and said second port; b.a stem secured to said flow-element and an actuator, wherein said stemextends through a stem port located on said body and is configured toactuate said flow-element; c. a bonnet secured to said body; and, d. asealing assembly substantially adjacent to said stem and configured tofit within an annular space between said stem, said body, and saidbonnet, said sealing assembly comprising: i. a primary seal having acavity between its inner and outer circumference, wherein said cavitycomprises at least two sidewalls that are substantially orthogonal to abottom wall; ii. a primary shaft insert configured to fit within saidcavity of said primary seal; iii. a sealing element located above saidprimary seal; iv. a bottom gasket; v. a spacer seated on said sealingelement; and, vi. a force transmitting member configured to transfer anaxial load to said primary shaft insert, wherein said primary shaftinsert is configured to transfer said axial load radially to saidprimary seal creating at least one seal with the walls of said annularspace.
 2. The valve of claim 1, wherein said primary seal has aplurality of ribs located on the inner and outer circumference of saidprimary seal, wherein said ribs are configured to enact at least oneseal with the walls of said annular space.
 3. The valve of claim 2,wherein said cavity is a U-cup shape extending between the inner andouter circumference of the primary seal and from the top to the bottomof the primary seal.
 4. The valve of claim 1, wherein said valve has aresistant liner secured to the surface of the valve.
 5. The valve ofclaim 4, wherein said liner is secured to the surface of said valve by aseries of dovetail groves and interlocking holes.
 6. The valve of claim1, wherein said body further comprises a first body half secured to asecond body half, wherein a body joint is encapsulated within a liner onsaid body and located where said first body half is secured to saidsecond body half.
 7. The valve of claim 6, wherein said body joint hasseveral ridges extending between the inner and outer circumference ofsaid body joint capable of energizing when subject to a force.
 8. Thevalve of claim 1, wherein said sealing assembly further comprises: a. asecondary seal seated above said spacer, wherein said secondary seal hasa cavity between its inner circumference and outer circumference and aplurality of ribs located on its inner and outer circumference, whereinsaid ribs are configured to enact at east one seal with the walls ofsaid annular space; and, b. a secondary shaft insert seated above saidspacer, wherein said secondary shaft insert is configured to fit withinsaid cavity of said secondary seal and to transfer said axial load fromsaid force transmitting radially to said secondary seal creating atleast one seal with the walls of said annular space.
 9. The valve ofclaim 1, wherein a notched interface is provided between said bonnet andsaid body, said interface configured to eliminate rotational forces frombeing translated to the bonnet.
 10. The valve of claim 1, wherein saidspacer has an aperture and aligns with a leakoff connection on saidvalve.
 11. The valve of claim 1, wherein said primary shaft insertsubstantially fills said cavity of said primary seal.
 12. The valve ofclaim 1, wherein said primary shaft insert completely fills said cavityof said primary seal.
 13. A stem seal assembly for a valve configured tofit within an annular space surrounding a valve stem, said stem sealassembly comprising: a. a primary seal, wherein said primary seal has acavity between its inner circumference and outer circumference, whereinsaid cavity comprises at least two sidewalls that are substantiallyorthogonal to a bottom wall; b. a primary shaft insert configured to fitinto said primary seal cavity; c. a sealing element located above saidprimary seal; d. a bottom gasket; e. a spacer seated on said sealingelement; and, f. a force transmitting member seated above said primaryseal and configured to transfer an axial load to said primary shaftinsert, wherein said primary shaft insert is configured to transfer saidaxial load radially to said primary seal creating a seal with the wallsof said annular space.
 14. The stem seal assembly of claim 13 whereinsaid primary seal has a plurality of ribs located on the inner and outercircumference of said primary seal, wherein said ribs are configured toenact a seal with the walls of said annular space.
 15. The stem sealassembly of claim 14 wherein said spacer has an aperture configured toalign with a leakoff connection on said valve.
 16. A stem seal assemblyfor a valve configured to fit within an annular space surrounding avalve stem, said stem seal assembly comprising: a. a primary seal,wherein said primary seal has a U-cup shaped cavity between its innercircumference and outer circumference, wherein said cavity extendsbetween the inner and outer circumference of the primary seal and fromthe top to the bottom of the primary seal; b. a primary shaft insertconfigured to fit into said primary seal cavity; c. a sealing elementlocated above said primary seal; d. a bottom gasket; e. a secondary sealseated above said primary seal, wherein said secondary seal has a U-cupshaped cavity between its inner circumference and outer circumference,wherein said cavity extends between the inner and outer circumference ofsaid secondary seal and from the top to the bottom of said secondaryseal; f. a secondary shaft insert seated above said primary seal andconfigured to fit into said secondary seal cavity; g. a spacer locatedbetween said primary seal and said secondary seal; and, h. a forcetransmitting member seated above said secondary seal and configured totransfer an axial load to said primary shaft insert and said secondaryshaft insert, wherein said primary shaft insert is configured totransfer said axial load radially to said primary seal creating a sealwith the walls of said annular space, wherein said secondary shaftinsert is configured to transfer said axial load radially to saidsecondary seal creating a seal with the walls of said annular space. 17.The stem seal assembly of claim 16, wherein a plurality of ribs arelocated on the inner and outer circumference of said primary seal andsecondary seal, wherein said ribs are configured to enact a seal withthe walls of said annular space.
 18. The stem seal assembly of claim 17,wherein said spacer has an aperture configured to align with a leakoffconnection on said valve.
 19. A valve comprising: a. a body having: i. afirst port and a second port with a passage configured to flow a mediaextending between said first port and said second port, wherein saidbody has a flow-element positioned between said first port and saidsecond port; and ii. a first body half secured to a second body half,wherein a body joint is encapsulated in a liner on said body and locatedwhere said first body half is secured to said second body half; whereinsaid body joint has several ridges extending between the inner and outercircumference of said body joint and capable of energizing when subjectto a force; b. a stem secured to said flow-element and an actuator,wherein said stem extends through a stem port located on said body andis configured to actuate said flow-element; c. a bonnet secured to saidbody; and, d. a sealing assembly substantially adjacent to said stem andconfigured to fit within an annular space, said sealing assemblycomprising: i. a primary seal having a U-cup shaped cavity between itsinner and outer circumference, wherein said primary seal has a pluralityof ribs located on its inner and outer circumference that are configuredto enact a seal with the walls of said annular space; ii. a primaryshaft insert configured to fit within said cavity of said primary seal;iii. a sealing element located above said primary seal; iv. a bottomgasket; v. a spacer seated on said sealing element; and, vi. a forcetransmitting member configured to transfer an axial load to said primaryshaft insert, wherein said primary shaft insert is configured totransfer said axial load radially to said primary seal creating a sealwith the walls of said annular space.
 20. The valve of claim 19, whereinsaid sealing assembly further comprises: a. a secondary seal seatedabove said spacer, wherein said secondary seal has a cavity between itsinner circumference and outer circumference and a plurality of ribslocated on its inner and outer circumference, wherein said ribs areconfigured to enact a seal with the walls of said annular space; and, b.a secondary shaft insert seated above said spacer, wherein saidsecondary shaft insert is configured to fit within said cavity of saidsecondary seal and to transfer said axial load from said forcetransmitting radially to said secondary seal creating a seal with thewalls of said annular space.
 21. The valve of claim 19, wherein anotched interface is provided between said bonnet and said body, saidinterface configured to eliminate the translation of rotational forcesto the bonnet.
 22. A valve comprising: a. a body having: i. a first portand a second port with a passage configured to flow a media extendingbetween said first port and said second port, wherein said body has aflow-element positioned between said first port and said second port;and ii. a first body half secured to a second body half, wherein a bodyjoint is encapsulated in a liner on said body and located where saidfirst body half is secured to said second body half; wherein said bodyjoint has several ridges extending between the inner and outercircumference of said body joint and capable of energizing when subjectto a force; b. a stem secured to said flow-element and an actuator,wherein said stem extends through a stem port located on said body andis configured to actuate said flow-element; c. a bonnet secured to saidbody; and d. a sealing assembly substantially adjacent to said stem andconfigured to fit within an annular space, said sealing assemblycomprising: i. a primary seal having a U-cup shaped cavity between itsinner and outer circumference, wherein said primary seal has a pluralityof ribs located on its inner and outer circumference that are configuredto enact a seal with the walls of said annular space; ii. a primaryshaft insert configured to fit within said cavity of said primary seal;iii. a spacer located above said primary seal; and iv. a forcetransmitting member configure to transfer an axial load to said primaryshaft insert, wherein said primary shaft insert is configured totransfer said axial load radially to said primary seal creating a sealwith the walls of said annular space, wherein a notched interface isprovided between said bonnet and said body, said interface configured toeliminate the translation of rotational forces to the bonnet.
 23. Thevalve of claim 22, wherein said sealing assembly further comprises: a. asecondary seal seated above said spacer, wherein said secondary seal hasa cavity between its inner circumference and outer circumferenceconfigured to receive said secondary shaft insert and a plurality ofribs located on its inner and outer circumference, wherein said ribs areconfigured to enact a seal with the wall of said annular space; and b. asecondary shaft insert seated above said spacer, wherein said secondaryshaft is configured to fit within said cavity of said secondary seal andto transfer said axial load from said force transmitting radially tosaid secondary seal creating a seal with the walls of said annularspace.